Thirty years ago, navigating Shanghai was a daunting task. Traveling from the northeastern Yangpu District to Xuhui District in the southwest took hours and involved multiple transfers. And commuters faced the arduous challenge of navigating various modes of transportation.
But in 1993, the Shanghai Metro started operations, marking the beginning of a new era, with travel times reduced to a fraction of what they once were.
Fast-forward to today, and the Shanghai Metro has experienced incredible growth. From its humble beginnings, when it had a single line, it now encompasses a vast network of 19 lines, a Maglev, and 508 stations.
The most significant period of growth in the history of the Shanghai Metro came between 2003 and 2013. In preparation for the world’s fair in Shanghai, known as Expo 2010, the metro system faced the formidable task of constructing nearly 400 kilometers of subway lines within just a few years.
Against all odds, it was completed in time. During the Expo, the Shanghai Metro played a crucial role, handling over 50% of passenger flow on urban public transport. Today, that percentage has risen to over 70%.
As we look back at the past three decades of the Shanghai Metro’s history, archival photos that showcase its evolution provide a glimpse into the remarkable transformation of Shanghai’s iconic transportation system.
In October 1992, the first direct current electric subway train was assembled in Germany, separated into individual cars, and transported by ship from Hamburg to Shanghai. Involving multiple deliveries, transportation took about two years to complete. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
An early blueprint of the Shanghai metro system dating from 1958. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
The ceremony celebrating the opening of Line 1 in Shanghai, 1993. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
Schoolchildren aboard a train on the opening day of Shanghai Metro’s Line 1, May 28, 1993. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
The first generation of Shanghai Metro’s Line 1 drivers, Dec. 14, 1995. From left to right, Dai Qi, Cao Jian, Zhang Jun, Shen Shifang, Zhai Renyuan, and Chen Yi. Courtesy of Shanghai Metro
Local residents take a break on a section of the Shanghai–Woosung railway in 1995. Two years later, in June 1997, Shanghai Metro’s Line 3 officially began operations on it. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A view of Line 3’s rails, December 2000. Line 3 was based on old railway routes like the Shanghai–Woosung railway. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Traveling on the Shanghai Metro amid the SARS outbreak in February 2003. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A member of staff at a station helping passengers exit the turnstiles after automatic ticket checkpoints were introduced, March 1, 1999. Original paper tickets were gradually phased out. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
The Xujiahui station, December 1993. The photo was taken before noon, when few passengers were around. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Metro staff reminding passengers to pay attention to their safety while getting on and off the train, 2002. At the time, layoffs were a big social issue. With the help of the government, some laid-off workers were reemployed here. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A primary school student waiting at a station, October 2000. At the time, the Shanghai Metro hadn’t installed guardrails, which were a subject of widespread debate at the time. Some said they would improve safety, while others believed they would be a waste of money. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A performer busking aboard a train, which was later banned, 2002. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A man sells newspapers at a metro station, March 2000. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
A passenger holding a photograph of Audrey Hepburn, May 2004. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone
Contributions: Xu Haifeng and Wu Dong.
Editors: Ding Yining and Apurva.
(Header image: Passengers wait for a train during the morning rush hour at Xinzhuang station, March 2005. Xu Haifeng for Sixth Tone)
